Pratyahara: The Forgotten Limb

Pratyahara, the fifth limb of yoga, is usually translated to mean "withdrawal of attachment to sensory perceptions." There are two ways of looking at this.

First is as a gradual evolution of attention toward the finer realms of experience where sensory perceptions become more ecstatic and naturally imbued with pure bliss consciousness. In this case, the process of pratyahara is a natural byproduct of the emergence of abiding inner silence and ecstatic conductivity.

A second way of looking at pratyahara is as an aspect of self-inquiry, which is for loosening the grip of identified awareness on all objects of perception, including thoughts, feelings, and sensory experiences registering in consciousness. This second view of pratyahara is more common. Because the psychology of it is seemingly more direct, the mind latches on. Unfortunately, the psychology of pratyahara, without the cultivation of abiding inner silence (the witness) beforehand, is like the psychology of premature self-inquiry what we have called "non-relational" (not in stillness) in previous lessons, and prone to building mental castles in the air.

Also in this episode, we discuss the crucial parameters of environment or ambience required for a successful practice or session.